By UCA News Reporter
A Philippine bishop attending the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan has emerged as a leading voice advocating for faith-based solutions to climate challenges, stressing the role of faith communities in fostering global unity.
Bishop Gerardo Alimane Alminaza joined the discussions on the sidelines of COP29 in Baku as vice president of Caritas Philippines and the representative of the national bishops’ conference for integral ecology.
“From the Church’s perspective, COP29 offers an opportunity to rally people — regardless of faith, religion, or convictions — around a shared mission: protecting our common home,” he told UCA News on Nov 18.
Invoking Pope Francis’ call to “enlarge the space of our tent,” Bishop Alminaza stressed the urgency of addressing climate change as a universal concern.
“The possible destruction of our planet is not just a concern for the few but a responsibility for everyone,” he added.
At COP29, often referred to as a “finance COP,” Bishop Alminaza has high hopes for concrete action. He stressed the critical need for developed nations to uphold their commitments to climate finance, particularly the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund.
“Developed countries are largely responsible for the climate crisis, while the greatest victims are the developing nations. We cannot just rely on our resiliency. While adaptability is commendable, we must address the root causes through mitigation efforts and financial support.”
Bishop Alminaza also expressed dismay over the slow progress in implementing financial mechanisms.
“There should be clear guidelines to ensure that the funds reach those who truly need them,” he said, urging transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.
A significant concern for Bishop Alminaza was the potential for superficial fixes, such as carbon credit schemes and debt cancellations, to overshadow deeper systemic changes.
“Some initiatives claim to offset emissions while continuing to finance activities that worsen global warming. This maintains the lifestyles of the privileged at the expense of those already suffering. Such measures don’t solve the problem; they perpetuate it.”
The prelate called for a genuine commitment to a just energy transition, one that prioritizes the needs of vulnerable communities without falling into “tricks” that appear to address the crisis but fail to make meaningful progress.
The Church’s role in climate action
Bishop Alminaza sees an opportunity for the Catholic Church and other faith communities to lead the charge in climate advocacy.
“If Pope Francis, as one person, can make a difference, imagine the impact of collective action by religious leaders — Catholics, imams , Buddhists, Hindus, and others,” he said.
“Humanitarian motivations are essential, but faith provides deeper reasons to act. As people of faith, hope, and love, we are called to respond not just individually but collectively.”
Bishop Alminaza said the Church’s spiritual mission aligns seamlessly with the fight against climate change.
“Faith encourages us to transcend obstacles and setbacks. It drives us to persevere, even when progress seems slow or invisible, trusting that God is at work and inviting us to be part of His plan,” he said.
When asked whether faith could play a more significant role in protecting the environment, Bishop Alminaza affirmed its transformative power.
“Faith reminds us of our accountability to God and His creation,” he said.
For Bishop Alminaza, safeguarding the planet is an expression of love for God and humanity. “If we truly love God, we must also love His creation. Our faith compels us to act — not only to preserve our environment but to demonstrate our love and responsibility for future generations,” he said.
“The fight against climate change isn’t merely about saving the earth; it’s about saving humanity and fostering a deeper connection with God’s creation.” – UCA News
